Chapter 3: Tcl

Table 3-2:Xilinx Tcl Commands for Advanced Scripting

R

Commands

Subcommands

 

 

collection (create and manage a collection)

append_to

 

copy

 

equal

 

foreach

 

get

 

index

 

properties

 

remove_from

 

set

 

sizeof

 

 

object (get object information)

get

 

name

 

properties

 

type

 

 

search (search and return matching objects)

 

 

 

Tcl Commands for General Usage

This section describes the Xilinx Tcl commands for general usage. To view a sample script of how these commands are used, see the “Sample Tcl Script for General Usage” at the end of this chapter.

partition (support design preservation)

The partition command is used to create and manage partitions, which are used for design preservation. A Partition is set on an instance in a design. The Partition indicates that the implementation for the instance should be preserved and reused when possible.

% partition <subcommand>

Partition names should follow the naming conventions of the HDL source. In general, the local name of a top-level partition is set to the name of the design, which is based on the top-level entity or module in the HDL source. The full hierarchical name of a top-level partition is a forward slash (/) followed by the local name. For example, if the design name is stopwatch, then the hierarchical name for the top-level instance is /stopwatch. It is always necessary to give the full name of any instance or partition that you specify on the command line. Partition names are case-sensitive.

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Xilinx 8.2i manual Tcl Commands for General Usage, Partition support design preservation
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8.2i specifications

Xilinx 8.2i is a significant version of the Xilinx ISE (Integrated Software Environment) that emerged in the early 2000s, marking an important milestone in the world of FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) development. This version introduced a slew of advanced features, technologies, and characteristics that made it an indispensable tool for engineers and developers in designing, simulating, and implementing digital circuits.

One of the standout features of Xilinx 8.2i is its enhanced design entry capabilities. This version supports multiple design entry methods, including schematic entry, VHDL, and Verilog HDL, giving engineers the flexibility to choose their preferred approach. The integrated environment provides user-friendly graphical interfaces, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users.

Xilinx 8.2i's synthesis tools have been improved to enable more efficient design compilation and optimization. The new algorithms used in this version facilitate faster synthesis times while reducing power consumption and improving performance. Furthermore, it features support for advanced FPGA architectures, which allows for the implementation of more complex designs with greater efficiency.

The implementation tools in Xilinx 8.2i include advanced place and route capabilities, utilizing state-of-the-art algorithms for optimized resource usage. These tools enable designers to make better use of FPGA resources, ensuring that designs fit within the constraints of the target device while maximizing performance.

Another key characteristic of Xilinx 8.2i is its extensive support for various Xilinx devices such as the Spartan, Virtex, and CoolRunner series. This compatibility ensures that developers can leverage the powerful features of these FPGA families, including high-speed transceivers and DSP slices.

Xilinx 8.2i also places a strong emphasis on simulation and verification. The version integrates with various simulation tools, allowing for thorough testing of the designs before implementation. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures that the final product meets specifications.

In addition, this version includes support for design constraints, enabling engineers to specify timing, area, and other critical design parameters. By accommodating constraints, Xilinx 8.2i helps in achieving reliable and efficient designs tailored to project needs.

In summary, Xilinx 8.2i is a robust software development tool that enhances the design process for FPGAs. Its comprehensive features, including multiple design entry options, advanced synthesis and implementation tools, extensive device support, and strong simulation capabilities, make it a valuable resource for engineers and developers striving for innovation in digital design.
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